Sep 27, 2008 11:23 pm US/Eastern
Fundraiser Will Help Musician Fight Rare Illness
Reporting
Ron Matz
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
She's a singer and musician who lives in Owings Mills and she's been in the fight of her life.
Ron Matz has more on an amazing young woman who vows to recover from a serious illness to pursue the sound of music.
Shelley Ensor is a voice of courage and faith. Seven months ago, she fell victim to a mysterious illness. Her kidneys stopped functioning, which led to septic shock. It was pneumoccal pneumonia.
"It diverted into gangrene," Ensor said.
Her feet were amputated. The piano player and singer also lost the fingers on both hands.
"I love playing the piano and working with the choirs but I did come to the realization that I believe with all my heart I'm going to be able to play the piano again," Ensor said.
On Sunday, Shelley's many friends will hold a fundraiser at Kernan Hospital to help this remarkable and talented young woman.
"We've learned that prosthetics can cost up to $10,000 a finger and insurance doesn't cover all that," said Lisa Gladden, Shelley's friend. "Kernan has given us the grounds for Sunday. They've done all the invitations and they've said, `Whatever you need, we'll help you.'"
"I've received an overwhelming amount of love and support from such a large variety of people that this is nothing. This is just part of my life," Ensor said.
Friends say they've raised $27,000 so far to help Shelley.
Make donations to Shelley Ensor Fund in Care of Kernan Hospital.
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